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By Osborne, Harry, on February 2nd, 2002
One writer observed of modern society, "A commentary on the times is that the word honesty is now preceded by old-fashioned." Over the past few years, we have all seen diminished respect for the virtue of telling the truth in various quarters. The adjudicated finding of guilt on perjury charges brought against our last president was surely a disgraceful evidence of the pervasive presence of dishonesty in our modern world. The widespread use of falsehood is not consistent with the values and character expected in the world of my upbringing. My earliest remembrance of character education is the teaching to always be honest. Whether at home or in school, in Bible classes or in the community, honesty was a mandatory virtue in each person and it was commonly accepted that lying was the worst thing one could do. While still a teenager, I came in contact with several people who made a practice out of falsehood and deceit. Since that time, I have witnessed the same proclivity in those who sought power for themselves in various realms. Is it merely being "old-fashioned" to seek a return to a world where honesty is again viewed with the highest respect?
Our Example of "Old-Fashioned" Honesty
In John 8, there is a clear contrast presented between Jesus who told the truth and the leaders of the Jews who lied. At one point, the leaders of the Jews claimed, "We are Abraham’s seed, and have never yet been in bondage to any man" (John 8:33). The fact is that Abraham’s seed, the Israelites, had been in both Egyptian bondage and Babylonian captivity. The Jewish leaders’ lying attempt to bolster their own importance was at variance with the truth. This was not the first time they had lied, nor would it be their last. They had lied about their respect for Jesus while trying to harm him. They would ultimately get men to testify falsely against Jesus to give a false veneer of justice to cover their murderous act. When Jesus arose from the dead, the same people would conspire to lie in a vain effort to conceal His resurrection. Jesus well summarized their character by noting their moral parentage:
Continue reading » In the Steps of the Savior: Old-Fashioned Honesty
By Smith, Jeff, on February 2nd, 2002
Introduction
Lamentations is one of those obscure books of the Old Testament that we don’t give much attention. While we flock to Psalm 23 and congregate around the Proverbs, Lamentations sits alone, not far off, waiting for us. And yet books like Lamentations, Philemon and Zephaniah are no less a part of God’s word than Genesis or Romans. The theme of Lamentations is actually quite pertinent and valuable today, for it speaks of a physical decay resembling the spiritual decline of our own great nation.
Jeremiah’s Lamentation
Around six hundred years before Christ, after Israel had fallen to Assyria, Judah also descended into the pits of corruption and sin. The youthful prophet Jeremiah had begged his nation to understand the fate of Israel and turn back to God and yet, she would not (Jer. 5), and now, shortly after good king Josiah was killed in battle by Pharaoh Necho, Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had come to power and conquered Judah (2 Kings 24:3-4).
Continue reading » Jeremiah’s Lamentation
By Hafley, Larry Ray, on February 2nd, 2002
The following request recently came to me:
Would you mind sharing your thoughts on 1 Corinthians 13:1; 14:2 and the issue of speaking in tongues. My brother is a Pentecostal, and we have discussed this issue (along with several other issues) at length. I have pointed out that tongues is being able to speak in other languages, which he agrees with but then he says it is also speaking in the tongue of angels — saying his spirit is speaking to God — as he points out in the verses above. Can you offer some insight on what the "tongues of angels," 13:1, and "For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries," 14:2?
First, though Paul is using hyperbolic (exaggerated) language to stress a point in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, he gives no comfort to modern Pentecostalism. Men do have tongues, or languages (Acts 2:4, 6, 8, 11; 1 Corinthians 13:1). Those tongues, or languages, are not incoherent, multi-syllable jibber jabber. Rather, they are coherent, comprehensible languages, as Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 14 clearly show.
(Compare Cornelius and his household who spoke in tongues. Those present knew the languages spoken, for they knew they were magnifying God [Acts 10:46]. However, they could not have known if they were magnifying or maligning God if they had not understood the languages. See 1 Corinthians 14:9, 16 — "except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken….how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned ['the unlearned' one is simply the one who does not know the language spoken-LRH] say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?" Further, we know the languages spoken by Cornelius ["the Gentiles"] were understandable, for Peter said it reminded him of "the beginning" at Pentecost, and we know those languages were understood by those who heard them [Acts 2:4-11].)
Continue reading » Contending for the Faith: Thoughts on Speaking in Tongues
By Roberts, Tom, on February 2nd, 2002
Being "thankful" to God is often spoken of as a "duty," and "obligation." While no objection can rightfully be registered to thanksgiving as such, we surely must not limit our understanding of it to this realm. One might as well think of watermelon as being composed only of rind, or of roses only of thorns if we fail to see the purely voluntary and "from-the-heart" side of thanksgiving. While duty and obligation define the obedient nature of the children of God, there is much more to our relationship to God than response to commands.
That being "thankful" is a command is evident from the scriptures. Both the Old Testament and the New remind us not to be forgetful of God’s bountiful blessings. Psalm 100:4 teaches, "…be thankful unto him and bless his name…" Colossians 3:15, after reminding us that the peace of Christ should rule our hearts, says, "…and be ye thankful." Without a doubt, we need such reminders. Like little children must be taught not to take favors from others for granted but to say "thank you," so also must we be reminded not to take God for granted. But here is the difference we must strive to see. A little child may be polite and, from the result of training in the home, say "thank you" when given something, observing etiquette alone, without feeling grateful in his heart. This is quite different from actually being thankful for the favor bestowed.
Continue reading » The Simple Gospel: Thanksgiving
By Roberts, Tom, on February 2nd, 2002
One aspect of Calvinistic doctrine is the three-fold error whereby it is taught that (1) Adam’s sin was transferred to mankind; (2) man’s sin was transferred to Christ; and (30) Christ’s personal righteousness was transferred to believers. None of these statements are true nor do they reflect accurately the Bible doctrine of “imputation.” In this article we will note the second of these errors and study the claim that the sins of mankind have been transferred to Christ.
A verse often used in this context is 2 Corinthians 5:21: “Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.” The phrase “he made to be sin” is the controversial part of the text and one that is grossly misused. We need to understand in what sense God made Christ “to be sin.” Did God place our sins on Christ? Would that make Christ a sinner? Did Christ die a spiritual death as well as a physical death on the cross? Just what is meant? As in all studies, we need to consider all that the Bible says and not take one verse to mean something that would contradict other Bible passages.
Continue reading » Associate Editorial: How Was Christ ‘Made to be Sin’?
By Cox, Stan, on February 2nd, 2002
In August of 2000, in the midst of the controversy stirred by the publication of the “Open Letter” on the Creation “Days” controversy, I penned an editorial entitled Honor in Controversy. In the article I pointed out the carnal tactics to which some resorted at that time. I sought to point out the need for brethren to behave righteously during times of controversy as we discuss differences which exist. It is a lesson that needs repeating time and again.
It is inappropriate for any child of God to behave in less than a righteous manner. Peter wrote, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:11-12). The term “honorable” in the passage (translated honest in the KJV) is defined by Vines, “good, admirable, becoming, has also the ethical meaning of what is fair, right, honourable, of such conduct as deserves esteem” (Vines, Vol. II, pge. 229).
It is important for Christians to be “fair” and “right” in their dealing with others, especially brethren. This is what God expects of us. Further reading in 1 Peter 2 reveals this, “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men; as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (vss. 15-17).
Continue reading » Editorial: Honor in Controversy (Revisited)
By Holmes, Bobby, on February 2nd, 2002
Editor’s Note: This is the second of two articles recounting brother Holmes’ preaching trips to, primarily, the Pacific Northwest.
1998
Jo Ann and I waited until the first of May in 1998 to leave for the Northwest again. We did this for two reasons. First, to give us time to “get over” the grueling task of the eleven month work in 1997 and second, I needed time to work on some material for the trip.
My first meeting on this trip was in Rock Springs, Wyoming. We had planned on leaving early Monday morning, but Jo Ann became very ill with a virus like condition that caused, among other things, severe vomiting and extreme weakness. I took her to our doctor Monday morning explaining our need to leave as soon as possible and he gave her some strong medication including something to “put her out” to overcome the vomiting. Though she was still not feeling “up to par”, we left on Wednesday and traveled hard as I was to begin the meeting in Rock Springs on Sunday.
Continue reading » Preaching in the Pacific Northwest – Report 2 (1998, 1999, 2001)
By Holmes, Bobby, on February 1st, 2002
Editor’s Note: This is the first of two articles recounting brother Holmes’ preaching trips to, primarily, the Pacific Northwest.
On January 3rd, 1997, JoAnn (my wife) and I left our home in Duncanville Texas and spent eleven months on an extended preaching trip, at least half of it in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wisconsin and the province of Alberta Canada. The rest of the time was spent in my holding meetings in Ohio, Mississippi, W. Virginia and the south Texas area.
In preparation for the trip I resigned as an evangelist for the Dallas Avenue church in Lancaster Texas December 31, 1996 after fourteen years of the best local work of my almost fifty years of preaching. With the help of a working membership who helped to arrange Bible studies for me, I baptized over 100 souls into Christ during that time.
The eleven month trip in 1997 came about as a result of several years of preaching trips I had taken into Canada. Four days driving up and four days back home put me in contact with several souls who would ask, "Why can’t you come help us?". Most of these brethren had no preacher to work with them and were struggling. A burning desire to help these precious souls began to grow within me until finally I told Jo Ann and the elders at Dallas Avenue that I simply had to go before I grew too old and my health failed me.
Continue reading » Preaching in the Pacific Northwest: Report 1 (1997)
By Hafley, Larry Ray, on February 1st, 2002
“Give Satan An Inch”
On the sign in front of the Baker Rd. Baptist Church, Baytown, TX, the following maxim recently appeared: “Give Satan An Inch, And He’ll Be A Ruler.”
The expressed sentiment is true, for “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” (John 8:34). “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness” (Romans 6:16)? However, the message on the sign is contrary to Baptist doctrine. Here is how.
First, Satan cannot become a “ruler” to the lost, to alien sinners, for he is already their ruler, their “father” (John 8:38, 41, 44). Hence, since he is already their ruler, it cannot be said to sinners that if they give Satan an inch he will be their ruler.
Second, since Baptists do not believe that a child of God can fall from grace, it cannot be said that Satan will be “a ruler” of the saved. If he were, the saved would be of Satan. As such, they would be lost, for “He that committeth sin is of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Continue reading » Short Gems from Larry’s Pen
By Mikell, Ira, on February 1st, 2002
Moses, inspired by God, penned the beautiful words describing the account of creation in the first chapter of the book of Genesis. The first words that were written were “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth,” (Genesis 1:1). In the verses that follow it is commonly understood that creation took place over a period of six days. There has been much debate, however, among brethren, especially during the ongoing controversy between brethren and a few of the Bible teachers at Florida College, over this teaching that affects our entrance into Heaven. Some say that the days of creation are literal, while others believe that the days are figurative. Then, there are those who say the days could be both, in the name of unity-in-diversity. But, what does the Bible say?
The word “day” is used both literally and figuratively throughout the Scriptures. In order to identify which, it is necessary to consider the context first. After this has been accomplished, it is possible to know what the word “day” is referring to in a particular passage. Before we examine a few examples of the word “day,” the following table from a previous article, The Gift in Acts 2:38 that I wrote, found at:
http://members.truepath.com/thechristianexaminer/01number26.html#gift,
illustrates how some words and phrases are used differently in various passages.
Continue reading » The Days of Creation: Literal or Figurative?
By Miller, Matt, on February 1st, 2002
I. Introduction
There is no question but that alcohol is one of the foremost factors in the destruction of the society, the family, human lives, and many other precious things. Alcohol kills, maims, and destroys the lives of millions of people yearly around the world. It is odd, then, that so many people, including those whose lives have been ruined by alcohol, still work hard to support alcohol. The Bible has much to say about alcohol, and Christians should be familiar with God’s truth on drinking.
II. The Facts at Hand
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1. A clear reference to fermented beverages (not just the assumption that they are fermented!).
2. The clear consumption of fermented beverages by humans.
3. The clear approval of God.
A. Just about every professing Christian would agree that abject, total drunkenness is immoral and condemned in the Bible. It is not difficult to see that a staggering, smelly, unkempt drunk yelling out obscenities is sinning.
B. Yet, there are many Christians who argue that mild drinking, or social drinking, is not forbidden by God. Many brethren make a distinction between social drinking, and abject drunkenness. The question must be asked: “What does the Bible teach about alcohol?”
C. It is the contention of this sermon that the intake of fermented beverages in any amount is forbidden by the Bible, both in precept and in principle. This shall be accomplished with five basic arguments. First, it shall be demonstrated that the wine of the Bible is not the same as modern wine. Secondly, it shall be demonstrated that the Bible contains two distinct evaluations of the word wine. Thirdly, specific passages which condemn the intake of fermented beverages will be examined. Fourthly, some biblical principles which forbid the intake of fermented beverages will be examined. Finally, the most common arguments in support of social drinking shall be critically examined.
D. In order for the consumption of alcoholic beverages by Christians to be approved, one would have to find the a passage of scripture with the following characteristics:
Continue reading » Alcohol and the Christian
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